• The unfolding vision of a church stepping into the future, instead of dwelling in the past

The old way of “being church”—measured by political influence, money, and congregants in the pews—may indeed be vanishing, but it is being replaced by something new and beautiful for those with the eyes, ears, heart, and soul to experience it. Prolific author Greg Garrett reminds Episcopalians of the many gifts that our tradition can offer a doubting and hurting world. He reveals a church that values intellect, beauty, diversity, and community, and promotes thoughtful engagement with questions of faith, ethics, and community. This church espouses a generous orthodoxy, welcoming left and right, mystic and doubter. It values education, social justice, and engagement with literature and culture. And in opposition to the radical individualism espoused by most of American Protestantism, it offers the unique gift of a tradition shaped by English culture that believes the individual is a part of her or his community—not in opposition to it.

Greg Garrett, PhD, has written more than twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and translation, including My Church Is Not Dying: Episcopalians in the 21st Century. Professor of English at Baylor University and Theologian in Residence at the American Cathedral in Paris, he has appeared internationally on radio and television and regularly preaches, gives readings, and leads workshops and retreats."

“You can read this book to learn more about a vibrant church that is one of America’s best kept secrets, or you can read it to remember the improbable promise at the heart of Christian faith: that when things fall apart, God uses the breakage to make a new thing. Greg Garrett is one of The Episcopal Church’s most engaging evangelists. If you’re weary of hearing bad news about the church’s demise, here is an alternate vision full of reasonable and buoyant hope.” — Barbara Brown Taylor Author of Learning to Walk in the Dark

“In the stories Greg Garrett tells and the people he shares, you too will see a church fully alive.” — The Right Reverend Greg Rickel Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (from his Foreword)

“One of the most searching and honest of Christian writers today.” — The Right Reverend and Right Honorable Rowan Williams Former Archbishop of Canterbury

“Greg Garrett offers a refreshing view of a church that is both ancient and new, deeply rooted, and engaging our culture in love.” — The Reverend Canon Ken Malcolm Canon Missioner for Leadership and Formation The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado